While the Western world has settled into its usual routine, Asian communities have been immersed in their own silly season.

Since the Lunar New Year began last week, Illawarra Asian groups have continued festivities with parties and traditional ceremonies.

The Illawarra IndoChinese Aged Group turned its weekly meeting at the Wollongong Senior Citizens Hall on Wednesday into a celebration for the new year, with lunch, karaoke, and a fashion show of traditional costumes (ao dai).

A platter of fruit was laid out in the hall, representing prayers for enough food and money this year.

President of Wollongong's Vietnamese community group Teresa Tran said it was an occasion to connect with the living and the dead.

"We pay respects to the dead, and the children also wish the elders good luck and health," she said.

"In return, children receive red envelopes with good luck money."

The public has been invited to attend a free Vietnamese festival at 7pm on Saturday at Dapto's Ribbonwood Hall.

Ms Tran said the event was being held a week after New Year's Day to allow people more time to celebrate.